When things get tough, face the challenge head-on.
We will definitely get our revenge for the spring league.

College of Health and Welfare First Grade
Baseball Team Pitching Leader
Graduate of Oshima High School, Tokyo

Kanato Arata

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I want to inspire the team with a pitching performance that changes the momentum of the game in the final stages.

I'm from Izu Oshima in Tokyo, and I've been a member of a local baseball team since I was in first grade of elementary school. In high school, we had trouble getting enough players and had to rely on players from other schools, but thanks to the people around me, I've been able to continue playing the sport I love.

In the summer of my senior year of high school, I broke a bone, and in J. F. Oberlin University, I enrolled through the general entrance exam. The baseball club is an environment where all members and staff can maintain an open and open relationship without discrimination. But when I first joined, I was overwhelmed by the high level of people around me. I was finally able to participate in league matches in the spring of my senior year at university. During spring camp, I was entrusted with the 7th to 9th innings as a relief pitcher. My strength is being able to compete in the strike zone. Even when the rhythm is off, I believe my pitching can change the flow. I want to keep competing in matches without forgetting the joy and nervousness I felt when I was given the number.

I was able to be completely honest and say, "I want the pitchers to try harder."

Relief pitchers often have to pitch on consecutive days, so physical strength is crucial. My lower back isn't in perfect condition, so I'm focusing on physical training to improve the flexibility of my shoulder blades and spine. This year's baseball team is centered around Captain Morita and Vice-Captain Yano. They actively communicate with both the first and second team members, so every grade level is highly motivated to practice. However, despite the positive atmosphere we had going into the spring league, we only aimed for first place and ended up in fourth place. Our pitchers had an ERA in the 4s, and I regret that we let the fielders down.

After the spring league ended, we had a frank discussion, mainly with the fourth-year students. We heard some harsh words, such as "The pitchers need to do a better job," but I feel that it led to a constructive discussion that will help the team improve. Our unity has also increased, and I think we have become a team that can work even harder towards the fall season.

Gratitude is expressed through the result of "victory".

I think it's the same for any team, but winning matches is fun and motivating. On the other hand, when losses keep coming, I feel depressed and can't focus on daily practice. But now, to make up for the frustration of losing in the spring league, we're putting on intense training to make up for it in the autumn league. "Now it's the pitcher's turn to help the fielders," each pitcher is consciously training with this awareness. J. F. Oberlin University Please look forward to the baseball club's future success.

This was my first time participating in a league game, and it made me realize once again how much the baseball club's activities are supported by the encouragement and support of many people. I strongly feel that I want to show my gratitude with a victory. After graduating from university, I would like to continue playing baseball for as long as I can, and eventually return to Izu Oshima. The number of baseball players in Izu Oshima is decreasing, so I want to be able to properly convey the appeal of baseball. Currently, I am studying to obtain a teaching license, but I want to give back to my hometown all the experiences I have seen and heard at university, not just in baseball. So now, I want to absorb everything I learn and have a student life without regrets.

Interview date:
This was done in June 2023 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

When things get tough, face the challenge head-on.We will definitely get our revenge for the spring league.

Main content

I want to inspire the team with a pitching performance that changes the momentum of the game in the final stages.

I was able to be completely honest and say, "I want the pitchers to try harder."

Gratitude is expressed through the result of "victory".

Related content

When things get tough, face the challenge head-on.
We will definitely get our revenge for the spring league.